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NYS legislative session nearing its end

WBFO News photo

The 2013 legislative session in Albany is supposed to come to an end later this week, but there's no guarantee.

"The end of session's sort of like a Stanley Cup game - you never know exactly when it's going to end," said Assemblymember Sean Ryan.

Ryan says while the Legislature's ended "on time" the last two years, there are still some important outstanding issues to be resolved, including campaign finance reform. Critics maintain it will not reduce corruption, but Ryan disagrees.

"The campaign financing will reduce the influence of corporations on our elections and right now, corporate donors are huge donors. They're able to get their policy through by donating to candidates," said Ryan.

Critics also oppose using taxpayer dollars to fund the careers of politicians.

"If it's a way though to limit corporate influence on government and politics, that's something that I think is worth the cost to the taxpayers," said Ryan.

Ryan, a Buffalo Democrat, points out the bill has already been approved in the Assembly. It's stalled in the other chamber. 

"The Senate has become a roadblock to a lot of progressive issues in New York State, whether it's safe-patient handling...increasing the minimum wage...the women's agenda...or fair elections," noted Ryan.

Ryan says he's willing to stay as long as needed to get good public policy through the Legislature. If the Senate doesn't move, he says the big issues will be put on next year's agenda.